THE EDITOR, Sir:
CERTAIN FEATURES of the 2002 General Election augurs well for the people of Jamaica. Congratulations must be extended to the People's National Party for securing another term in office. I was heartened by the Prime Minister's victory speech which highlighted the need for soberness and unity; and by Omar Davies' recognition that the need to rebuild Jamaica must begin immediately.
The Jamaica Labour Party must be commended for running a vigorous campaign which brought a lot of issues to the fore; particularly that of education. I have long believed that fundamental changes must be made to the educational system, chiefly at the basic and primary level, if our fortunes are to be reversed. Even though the JLP lost the election, they have significantly narrowed the majority in Parliament from the existing 36 seats, to what appears to be 10 seats: that is indeed a victory for democracy. The arrogance that tended to be a feature of government since the 1970s, due to dominant majorities in Parliament, have now to be a thing of the past. Real debate and bi-partisanship will now, inevitably, be a feature of the new Parliament, and the prospects are exciting.
But in the midst of these positives is the sobering fact that just under 60 per cent of registered voters care enough to exercise their right to vote. We must bear in mind that there is also a significant number of people who did not even care to be enumerated. Clearly both parties no longer resonate wit h the majority of Jamaica.
The old style politics that has dominated the country for so many decades must be put aside, and as both parties must begin the process of renewal. The people of this country are what matters, and if the parties are to regain the confidence of the electorate, they must reform the politics to impact the people positively.
In the final analysis, we are one Jamaica, and the aim of the political culture must be to bring prosperity to all people.
I am, etc.,
WAYNE WOOLERY
Montego Bay
